Thursday, February 23, 2017

How to choose the right Furnace Filter?

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We've caught you grinning, we caught you! So you found it a bit hilarious why did we find the need to talk about Furnace filters when they're just one of the cheapest accessory out there? Little things matter dude! And we'll prove it to you. Keep on reading.

No matter which brand's Furnace you've at your home, how did it cost you or how does it look like. It does need Filters, doesn't it? And Filters need to be changed for the appropriate functioning of the systems don't they? If somebody has never told you that choosing the right Furnace filters does affect the heating efficiency, we will! So, man! No need to laugh!

We're helping you explore the different types of Furnace filters, their pros and the cons so that you could decide easily which one will work best for you. Let's begin the filter journey;

1. Disposable Fibreglass Filters

Disposable Fibreglass Filters

These are the filters that most homeowners use. This was the filter that came to your mind when we initially talked about Furnace Filters. Made up of thick Fibreglass of around 1 inch this type of Filters have a MERV rating of 2-3 which means they can help trap
Carpet Fibers
Textile Fibers
Dust Mites
Spray Paint Dust etc

Good of it:
The good aspect of these Furnace filters is that they're extremely cheap. Just $1 - $2 .

Bad of it:
The bad side of these Furnace filters is that they do not help clean the air much. Their MERV rating as mentioned above is very low. So these filters are surely not suitable for those having allergies and asthma etc. They better go for Filters that efficiently trap pollutants.

2. Disposable Pleated

Disposable Pleated

Looking for a better MERV rating Filter? Check this one out. The disposable pleated filters are made up of polyester or cotton paper. Their MERV rating is 6 which is far better than the MERV rating of Disposable glass filters. The price of Disposable pleated filters is usually $4- $5. Affordable!

Good of it:
The good side of these Filters like the Disposable Fibreglass filters is that they're inexpensive and are good at trapping small particles.

Bad of it:
While these Filters are made up of cotton paper or polyester, they're thick and can cause hindrance for the air flow, consequently taking more energy from the system


3. Disposable Electrostatic Filters

Disposable Electrostatic Filters

These filters are self-charging and have a very high MERV rating of 10. They are also good at trapping small particles, pet dander, milled flour, welding fumes etc. The cost of these Filters is $10

Good of it:
The good of Disposable Electrostatic Filters is their affordability plus efficiency which makes them ideal for homes with children and pets.
Bad of it:
Disposable Electrostatic Filters become expensive when it comes to purchasing them in custom sizes. If your affordability is low, better not choose them since they cost much on the replacement.

4. Permanent Electrostatic Filters

Permanent Electrostatic Filters

These filters also contain self-charging cotton fibres that pull particles and trap them. There's a machine washable filter that has a lifetime of 6-8 years. The MERV rating of these filters is 8 while the cost is $15-$20. For you, if your pocket allows.

Good of it:
These filters being permanent can be used for a long term so there's a relief from spending on Filters every now and then. With a good MERV rating of 8, they trap enough particles so as to do air cleaning too.

Bad of it:
The bad side of these Filters is that they're not as efficient as the Disposable Electrostatic Filters since their MERV rating is 8 while the MERV rating of Disposable electrostatic is 10. The custom sizes are very expensive which makes them unsuitable for those looking for low rate but high-efficiency Filters.

5. High-Efficiency Pleated Filters

High-Efficiency Pleated Filters

Ready to spend extravagantly? Want to have highly efficient Filters? Then here you go! High-Efficiency Pleated Filters are for you if you can spend $100 for purchasing a Filter that will give you clean air with a MERV rating of 14-16 which means they'll also trap bacterias. These filters are ideal for those having allergies and bacterial infections.

Good of it:
The good is their high MERV rating, This is why they're also used in hospitals in order to trap the smallest of particles.
Bad of it:
Their heavy cost is their only bad side. Only a single filter will cost $100 a year which doesn't sound much cool.

So, we're just done with some quick information on the types, efficiency and rates of Furnace Filters in order to help you decide which one might work best for you. Your turn now. Any questions? Help? Or anything else? Get in touch. Give us a call!

Friday, February 10, 2017

Brace your Heating System for a chilly chill Winter

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Spending Winters in Canada is not easy. The temperature in several areas drops up to -30 degrees as the Winter paces up. While one cloth over another does help beat the blows of intense Winters when in the outside environment, an alternative should be sought when one is within the four walls of a room. And the alternative is of course to maintain a moderately warm indoor temperature. So how to maintain the temperature and how exactly to get yourself fully ready for Winters? Here are some quick tips to brace yourself up for Winters.

Pre-Season Tune-Up

How about having your Furnace suddenly stop working in the intense cold weather? Well, let's talk on realistic grounds, there are times when the weather conditions are so harsh that even an emergency HVAC service can't reach you as in the case of extreme snowfall and blocked roads. In order to avoid such circumstances, schedule a pre-season tune up with some reliable HVAC service provider. As things get fixed before the season begins they continue to function smoothly. So yes, schedule a pre-season tune-up every Winter.

Give your Furnace Filters a bath
Filters are for trapping pollutants and they do their job quite very well. How about giving them a bath to get themselves refreshed for fighting pollutants more efficiently? Things that get used get dirty too. The same goes for Furnace filters. Before the Winter begins, clean your Furnace filters properly. Since Filters aren't much expensive you should probably think of replacing them by throwing the older ones. And replacing/cleaning filters really really improves efficiency. Promise!

Check exhaust vents
Exhaust vents or chimneys are the vents from where the burned gases exhaust. Just like the Filters get clogged, the chimneys and vents also get dirty. And their dirt is of extreme threat. As the exhaust vents are blocked the Carbon Monoxide which is a residue gas comes back into the house and we repeat, Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. As you call professionals for appliance tune-up, also ask them to check your chimneys for proper exhaustion.

Lower your thermostat

What??? Lower Thermostat? Did we said that mistakenly? No!
Many homeowners set their thermostats high as the Winters begin. This is an inappropriate practice since it puts a burden on the Heating System suddenly as it begins to get in used after a long break. And this sudden burden may result in serious consequences so the right way is; Lower your thermostats as the Winter begins and raise the temperature slowly as the temperature rises. .   
Close vents in unused rooms
If you've a large home you must be having rooms that are not frequently used. In some homes, the ductwork includes vents in areas that are hardly used for example basement, attic or crawl spaces. In order to keep your Heating System work with full efficiency without excessive heat loss, close vents in unused rooms.

Incorporating the above-mentioned practices will help you bracing your Heating System perfectly for harshest of Winter and will consequently help you save on energy bills while also providing sizzling indoor experience.